Why Is the Nuisance Task Force Important?

Presently, the city has the lowest median income in the state ($20,000 less than the state average) and the highest rate of unemployment.  This financial reality puts a tremendous strain on the municipality’s ability to function properly, while meeting the needs of its citizens.  

Adding to this socioeconomic crisis has been an unprecedented fiscal crisis.  The City became the third municipality in the country to have the dubious distinction of filing for Chapter 9 bankruptcy in August of 2011.  The City emerged from bankruptcy in September of 2012, and now operates under a court-approved and supervised financial plan that projects revenue and expenses over a six-year period until 2017.

As our city emerges from the darkest chapter in its history, there are limited quality of life opportunities for our citizens, especially when it comes to maintaining quality, affordable housing and tackling the challenges of the foreclosure crisis. The majority of our nearly 20,000 residents are minorities (60% Latino) living in triple-decker homes constructed during the Industrial Revolution for mill workers.  With the highest unemployment rate in the state, citizens living in vulnerable dwellings often seek risky heating alternatives during the harsh winter months, exposing them to higher risks of dangerous fires. 

According to the HousingWorks RI 2013 Housing Fact Book, here are some of the relevant city housing facts:

  • Average monthly rent for a two-bedroom apartment               $863
  • Household income required for that rent to be affordable      $34,520
  • Average private-sector wage for jobs in Central Falls              $32,968
  • Actual number of foreclosures                                                     37
  • Total number of mortgaged housing units                                 1,211
  • Foreclosures as a percentage of mortgaged stock                  3.10%
  • Number of year-round housing units                                           7,473
  • Housing units that quality as affordable                                     866
  • Affordable housing units reserved for the elderly                     632
  • Affordable housing units reserved for families                         187
  • Units reserved for persons with special needs                          47

 By creating the Nuisance Task Force, the City intends on turning these numbers around and leading a Central Falls comeback.

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